Learning Activities
The advent of interactive instructional technologies has greatly improved the ways in which we acquire and retain knowledge. The HPEC offers a variety of in-house and online resources for students including: new instructional computer software, state board test preparation materials, video and digital image libraries, private screening rooms, multimedia study carrels, and other reference materials.
NCLEX Resources
(Download document to access hyperlinks)
Computer-Assisted Instructional (CAI) Programs
Interactive, electronic learning can help you stay up-to-date with information. The best computer-assisted instructional (CAI) programs allow you to control the pace and sequence of instruction.
The HPEC features hundreds of health-related CAI programs and interactive multimedia discs. Our staff works closely with students to ensure their awareness of these resources, especially those materials which aid students in preparing for licensing and certification exams. For a complete list of available CAI's and to track your progress, download our CAI Score Booklet (PDF).
What CAI's can offer you:
-
Reduced learning time: Research shows that interactive technologies reduce learning time by an average of 50 percent. You can move through the program at your own pace, skip areas you are familiar with, and concentrate on your areas of weakness.
-
Increased retention: Because electronic learning requires your participation, you will retain information longer than you would with more passive learning techniques.
-
Accessibility: Unlike a teacher, a computer is available 24/7, so you can review study materials at your convenience.
-
Consistent, current content: Computer-assisted instructional equipment doesn't tire and always delivers content in a consistent, reliable manner. The software is updated regularly to ensure that all information is accurate and current.
-
Safety: Novices can practice assessment and other clinical skills without jeopardizing a patient's safety.
-
Privacy and patience: Good CAI software doesn't judge you, and allows you to learn in private. Although the system may lack a sense of humor, it will not lose patience.
-
Enhanced motivation: As you take control of the learning process, you may want to explore new areas of interest and actively seek to broaden your knowledge. With CAI, you are challenged to move up to higher levels of expertise.
Understanding CAI formats: Commercial computer-assisted instructional software comes in three formats:
-
Interactive, menu-driven tutorials: After you view information on the screen, you press a key or click a computer mouse to advance to the next screen. You may have to answer questions about the material presented.
-
Clinical simulations: With these systems, you initiate and implement a sequence of assessments and decisions in a changing clinical simulation. The simulation may be linear (forcing you to take an optimal path as the patient-management problem advances) or branching (allowing for varied approaches to the problem).
-
Drill and practice: This system is similar to flash cards. You are presented with a question and choose an answer from several options. You can get feedback on overall scores and specific topic performance. This format is especially useful for learning patterns, such as arrhythmias, and in preparing for licensing or certification exams.
Anatomy and Physiology Resources
In conjunction with the Biology Department at Hunter College, the HPEC provides students with access to a large selection of educational multimedia programs for the study of anatomy and physiology. The collection includes numerous anatomical models, computer programs which render 3D anatomical images, clinical dissection videos, medical illustrations, and a medical image library with over 14,000 high definition photos.
Administration of Online Tests
In conjunction with the School of Nursing, the HPEC administers a number of Pre-NCLEX practice exams. These timed exams are provided through HESI and are given throughout the semester to serve as preparation for the NCLEX. Upon receiving their scores, students are encouraged to use the exam breakdown as an assessment of their knowledge, determining which areas need further improvement.
State Board Preparation Materials
The HPEC assists students in preparing for their State Certification tests by administering a number of commercially produced practice tests in all major disciplines.
Certification Practice Examinations are available for the following exams:
-
Comprehensive Physical Therapist Licensure Examination
-
National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
